So depending on how long it is going to take to get dev kit / new hardware out to folks I wondered if it would be worthwhile developing a stop gap solution to get started with development of games with the expanded memory?
I had an idea that we could use the USB serial connection with an app running on a PC to emulate the expanded memory feature. We could create a dummy API as a drop in replacement for @Mr.Blinky’s flashcart API where the PC can serve up the requested data.
I guess that it depends on the game and how it is using the expanded memory? For example if it is a game where levels that are loaded into RAM at start then that should be fine. It would only be timing critical uses which might be too slow.
Even if slow, it might be a low cost solution to get things started without requiring any extra hardware hacking.
If you’ve got so many, we could essentially just prototype everything on those units. I guess unless we add any other functionality to the games like link support, which I wouldn’t be able to test on my own with one unit, anyway.
The shipment just made it through customs, I suppose I’ll get it next week and begin sending them out after Christmas sometime.
@Mr.Blinky told me that the perfboard and 90 deg headers need to be fabbed so I’ll probably need to slap those in there too. Unless you can tell me that you can handle that part yourself? Could ship it a few days sooner then.
When using the original battery the white bracket needs to be cut in half and depending on how the 3D print variation and your soldering job. The little tab on top may need some sanding (this tab wil make the cart sit firmly in the slot)